Kansas offers 5 PMHNP programs from schools that maintain physical campuses in the state (see table below),while many national institutions provide fully online access.
Depending on your chosen degree and residency status, total estimated program costs in the state typically range from approximately $14,772 for a post-master’s certificate to over $99,000 for an out-of-state DNP.
Kansas PMHNP Programs Snapshot
| School | Est. Cost Range (KS Residents) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| KU Medical Center | DNP: ≈ $49K–$100K Certificate: ≈ $15K–$30K | – BSN-to-DNP PMHNP plan of study spread over 4 years full time – meets or exceeds the 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice-hour DNP standard – clinical sites centered in the Kansas City metro – admission favors applicants with strong BSN GPAs |
| Rockhurst University | MSN: ≈ $44.0K Certificate: ≈ $23.0K (min) | – online Jesuit-based MSN-PMHNP – 2 years full-time study (49 credits). – 750 total clinical hours plus one on-campus visit – full clinical placement services |
| UMKC | MSN: ≈ $43K Certificate: ≈ $17K (minimum) BSN→DNP: ≈ $70K MSN→DNP: ≈ $28.6K ($46.K with certificate) | – online with required 2–3 day on-campus intensives – MSN includes at least 660 clinical hours; – BSN→DNP adds 1,031.25+ clinical hours plus 330 project hours. |
| University of Saint Mary | MSN: ≈ $41.1K Certificate: ≈ $20.9K–$29.5K | – MSN-PMHNP completed in about 2 years full time – more than 700 clinical hours – dedicated clinical coordinator – certificate is 27–38 credits & 780 clinical hours |
| Washburn University | Certificate: ≈ $15K–$28K BSN→DNP: ≈ $55K MSN→DNP with NP: ≈ $40K MSN→DNP without NP: ≈ $52K | – strong range of PMHNP pathways – BSN→DNP includes 1,020 total clinical hours – Certificate students complete at least 525 practicum hours |
| Wichita State University | DNP: ≈ $30K–$42K per year | – post-BSN DNP completed in about 3.5 years – 3 major PMHNP practicums plus a final preceptorship – Small PMHNP cohorts (about 10–20 students) |
*Tuition figures are estimates based on published per-credit rates and program totals; most exclude miscellaneous university fees, books, and living costs.
PMHNP Program Summaries in Kansas
KU Medical Center PMHNP Programs
Kansas City | $472 cpc | Certificate / DNP
KU Medical Center’s School of Nursing offers two PMHNP pathways: a Post-BSN DNP (79 credits) and a Post-Master’s Certificate (24 credits). The DNP typically takes about four years full time and features advanced assessment, psychopharmacology, and sequential psychotherapeutic practicums that contribute to the 1,000+ practice hours expected for doctoral preparation. The certificate can be completed in roughly 1.5–2 years and builds focused competency in psychiatric assessment, psychotherapy, and medication management for APRN-prepared nurses. Recent PMHNP certification pass rates were 100% in 2021 and 2022 and 75% in 2023, and estimated tuition ranges roughly from the mid-$14k’s (certificate, in-state) to the high-$90k’s (DNP, out-of-state), depending on residency and fees...read more.
Rockhurst University PMHNP Programs
Kansas City | $780 cpc | MSN
Rockhurst University's Saint Luke's College offers two CCNE-accredited, online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks: an MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate. Both require 750 clinical hours and include full clinical placement services and one mandatory three-day on-campus immersion in Kansas City. The programs feature a 95% APRN certification pass rate and flexible scheduling to prepare nurses for advanced practice, guided by Jesuit values...read more.
UMKC PMHNP Programs
Kansas City | $779.50 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
UMKC’s School of Nursing & Health Studies offers fully online and hybrid PMHNP pathways with in-state tuition pricing for students in authorized states. Most coursework is online (mix of asynchronous and scheduled sessions), with 2–3 day on-campus intensives each semester during clinical courses. Clinicals span outpatient, inpatient, and crisis settings across the lifespan, and students typically arrange preceptors with faculty approval...read more.
University of Saint Mary PMHNP Programs
Leavonworth | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN
USM’s PMHNP programs are designed for working nurses, featuring fully online asynchronous courses with limited on-campus intensives for skills check-offs and assessments. The MSN spans 53 credits over about two years, while the post-master’s certificate ranges 27–38 credits and can be finished in one to two years, with tuition aligned to per-credit pricing. The curriculum emphasizes holistic, recovery-oriented, and culturally competent care across the lifespan, with coordinated clinical placements to build assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapeutic, and medication-management skills...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Nurses in Kansas can advance their careers through Walden University’s 100% online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs, including BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN-PMHNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate tracks. With the Walden Practicum Pledge, the university’s dedicated Field Placement Team assists Kansas students in securing local preceptors if needed, ensuring all 640–1,000 required clinical hours are completed within the state. These CCNE-accredited programs prepare Kansas nurses to meet the growing demand for psychiatric-mental health providers across rural and urban communities.
Washburn University PMHNP Programs
Topeka | $727 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
Washburn University’s Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing delivers fully online PMHNP pathways with flexible, mostly asynchronous coursework and limited scheduled virtual sessions. The school offers a Post-Graduate Certificate and three DNP options (BSN→DNP, MSN→DNP with existing NP certification, and MSN→DNP without NP status), each with clearly defined credit loads, clinical hour requirements, and timelines. Tuition is $727 per credit hour (plus a flat $70 student fee in fall/spring), making total program costs primarily a function of the credit count and the student’s chosen track...read more.
Wichita State PMHNP Programs
Wichita | $501 cpc | BSN to DNP / DNP
Wichita State University’s School of Nursing offers a post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice–PMHNP track (73–74 credits) delivered in a hybrid format with selected online courses and rich, face-to-face learning with expert faculty. Small cohorts (about 10–20 students) progress over ~3.5 years, building competency through guided clinical practicums in diverse settings and state-of-the-art simulations. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, leadership in health systems, and preparation for national PMHNP certification. Admission is selective (minimum 3.5 GPA) and the program culminates in a community-focused quality improvement project that demonstrates practice impact. ..read more.
Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program
online | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University offers two CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways—an MSN (~2.5 years) and a Graduate Certificate (~1.5 years)—delivered 100% online with 650 supervised practicum hours and dedicated preceptor support through the Practicum Commitment. Kansas learners can tap Chamberlain’s Overland Park campus as a local hub for student services, skills support, and connections to regional clinical partners while completing their in-community practicums. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychiatric assessment/diagnosis, and psychotherapy, with two required in-person immersions to strengthen hands-on readiness for PMHNP practice.
Nightingale College PMHNP Program
online | $550 cpc | MSN
The CCNE-accredited MSN-PMHNP program at Nightingale College is fully authorized to enroll residents of Kansas. This entirely online, 24-month program requires 55 credit hours, including 810 clinical contact hours, preparing graduates to address the growing need for mental health providers in the state. By completing this rigorous curriculum, students meet the educational requirements necessary to sit for the national ANCC certification exam and apply for PMHNP licensure in Kansas.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The PMHNP program offered by Purdue Global, available as a Post-Graduate Certificate, MSN, or MSN to DNP, is authorized for enrollment in Kansas and is entirely online. These CCNE-accredited programs prepare graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric mental health disorders across various clinical settings. A core component of the online learning includes immersive assignments using virtual reality for practicing telehealth and group therapy.
Rasmussen University PMHNP Program
online | $915 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Rasmussen University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways (MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate) deliver fully online coursework paired with in-person practicums coordinated in each student’s community. In Kansas, learners can leverage Rasmussen’s local campus hubs for student services, skills support, and connections to regional clinical partners while completing virtual immersion experiences with telehealth and standardized patients. The curriculum integrates advanced assessment, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy with technology-forward learning. Dedicated practicum coordination, multiple start dates, and flexible online delivery help working RNs progress efficiently toward PMHNP readiness.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Governors University trains future psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners through online MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate programs designed for working nurses. These CCNE-accredited programs combine flexible online coursework with 650 hours of local clinical experience under qualified preceptors. The MSN pathway takes around 2.5 years to complete for about $36,000, while the certificate finishes in about 1.5 years for about $23,000.
Which Kansas Program is Best for You?
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose Wichita State University if you want a high-quality DNP-only program (no MSN option) with a competitive 3.5 minimum GPA requirement, small class sizes (10-20 students), and comprehensive clinical training (660 hours) in approximately 3.5 years.
Choose Washburn University if you want the most flexible entry options (3 certificate tracks, 3 DNP pathways) with same in-state/out-of-state tuition ($727/credit), telepsychiatry-approved clinical options, and ANCC CERPs certification eligibility affirmation.
Choose University of Saint Mary if you want the highest clinical hours in Kansas (780+), extensive clinical coordinator placement assistance, holistic Jesuit-values approach, and two required on-ground three-day intensives.
Choose UMKC if you want flexible MSN, DNP, or certificate pathways with Canvas-based online learning, 2-3 day on-campus intensives only during clinical semesters, and in-state tuition regardless of location in authorized states.
Choose Rockhurst University if you want full clinical placement services at no extra charge, Jesuit-values education, three intakes per year (Fall/Spring/Summer), and comprehensive virtual/campus immersion experiences with OSCE assessments.
Choose KU Medical Center if you want a research-intensive BSN-to-DNP program (79 credits, 1,000+ hours) preparing clinical scholars and transformational leaders, with mandatory June campus workshop and curriculum aligned with 2021 AACN Essentials.
Kansas DNP-PMHNP Programs Comparison
Wichita State University offers the only DNP-exclusive program in Kansas (no MSN track), requiring a competitive 3.5 minimum GPA and delivering comprehensive training in 3.5 years. KU Medical Center provides the most extensive DNP curriculum (79 credits) with mandatory on-campus orientation, while Washburn offers the most flexible entry pathways.
| School | Track | Total Cost (In-State) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KU Medical Center | BSN-to-DNP | $48,614 | 4 years | 1,000 clinical hrs |
| UMKC | BSN-to-DNP | $69,206.25 | 4 years | 1,031.25 + 330 project |
| UMKC | MSN-to-DNP | $28,605.25 (core only) | 2-3 years | 600 clinical hrs |
| Washburn | BSN-to-DNP | $54,525 | 4.5 years | 1,020 clinical hrs |
| Washburn | MSN-to-DNP (with NP) | $39,258 | 3 years | 540+ clinical hrs |
| Washburn | MSN-to-DNP (without NP) | $51,617 | 4 years | 1,020 ( clinical hrs |
| Wichita State | BSN-to-DNP | $29,960-$42,280 (total cost) | 3.5 years | 660 clinical hrs |
Key Differentiators:
- KU Medical Center: Mandatory June 2-6 campus workshop (NRSG 935); curriculum transformation aligning with 2021 AACN Essentials; prepares clinical scholars and transformational leaders
- UMKC: Canvas-based online learning; on-campus intensives 2-3 days only during clinical semesters; in-state tuition for all students in authorized states
- Washburn: Most flexible with 3 DNP entry pathways; telepsychiatry approved for portion of practicum; ANCC CERPs affirmation; same in-state/out-of-state tuition
- Wichita State: Highest minimum GPA requirement (3.5); DNP-only program; small cohorts (10-20 students); state-of-the-art simulations; community-based quality improvement project
MSN-PMHNP Programs Comparison
UMKC offers the most affordable MSN program ($42,446.50 for 46 credits) with flexible online learning and Canvas platform delivery. University of Saint Mary provides the highest clinical hours (780+) with extensive placement support.
| School | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst | $44,040 | 2 years FT | 750 clinical hrs |
| UMKC | $42,446.50 | 2.5 years FT | 660+ clinical hrs |
| University of Saint Mary | $41,104 | 2 years FT | 780+ clinical hrs |
Notable Distinctions:
- Rockhurst: Full clinical placement services included at no extra charge; three intakes per year (Fall/Spring/Summer); Jesuit values-based education; 3-day campus + virtual immersion with OSCE
- UMKC: Canvas platform with synchronous/asynchronous modes; 2-3 day on-campus intensives during clinical courses only; part-time option (11 semesters); seamless DNP transition
- University of Saint Mary: Highest clinical hours (780+); extensive clinical coordinator assistance; two required 3-day on-ground intensives; holistic approach incorporating wellness/recovery/cultural competence
Post-Graduate Certificate Programs Comparison
Washburn University offers the most flexible certificate with three distinct entry tracks customized to prior credentials (FNP, CNS, or non-APRN backgrounds). UMKC provides the lowest-cost certificate option ($16,609.50 minimum).
| School | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| KU Medical Center | $14,772-$30,048 | 1.5-2 years | clinical hrs in curriculum |
| Rockhurst | $22,980 (min) | 1.5 years | 750 clinical hrs |
| UMKC | $16,609.50 | 2-3 years PT | clinical hrs in specialty courses |
| University of Saint Mary | $20,925-$29,450 | 1-2 years | 780 clinical hrs |
| Washburn | $14,540-$27,626 | 4 semesters average | 525+ clinical hrs |
Key Differentiators:
- KU Medical Center: Requires advanced practice prerequisites (assessment/pathophysiology/pharmacology/health promotion); prepares nurses for general medical and specialized psychiatric settings
- Rockhurst: Individualized plans based on MSN course evaluation; free clinical placement services; requires residency in one of 20 authorized states
- UMKC: Individualized plans based on prior coursework; gap analysis determines final credits; requires 3.2 minimum GPA
- University of Saint Mary: Three distinct tracks: Track 1 for certified NPs (4 semesters), Track 2 for CNS (variable), Track 3 for non-APRN (up to 38 credits); highest clinical hours
- Washburn: Most flexible with 3 entry tracks; Track 1 FNP (20 credits/525 hours), Track 2 CNS (variable), Track 3 non-APRN (up to 38 credits); telepsychiatry approved; ANCC CERPs affirmation
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| KU Medical Center | 3.0 (preference 3.5 in BSN) | BSN-DNP: Feb 1 (Summer), May 1 (Fall), Oct 1 (Spring) Certificate: Nov 1, 2025 (Spring 2026) | – mandatory campus workshop – $75 fee + $400 deposi – informational interview |
| Rockhurst | 3.0 | Three intakes: Fall, Spring, Summer | – must reside in one of 20 authorized states; – no GRE/GMAT; – immigration status proof for clinical |
| UMKC | 3.2 (last 60 BSN hours) | Spring: Oct 18; Summer: Mar 7; Fall: Mar 7 | – 2-step application (UMKC + NursingCAS); – personal interview; – transcripts to UMKC Office of Admissions only |
| University of Saint Mary | 3.0 (2.75-2.99 probationary) | January or August start | – 1 year RN experience; – personal interview; – 3 essay questions (300 words each); |
| Washburn | 3.0 (preference 3.25+) | Certificate: May 1, 2026 (Aug 2026) DNP: Rolling | – certificate opens Oct 1; – gap analysis for prior courses; brief writing assessment; interview |
| Wichita State | 3.5 (minimum to apply) | Priority: May 1; Final: Jul 15 (Fall only) | – Highest GPA requirement in Kansas; – 4 science courses (3.0 GPA, no <2.0); – computer literacy; technical standards |
All programs require:
- BSN from CCNE/ACEN/NLNAC accredited institution (MSN for certificate programs)
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Professional/academic references
Special Notes:
- Wichita State has the highest minimum GPA requirement (3.5) in Kansas and admits fall semester only
- UMKC uses unique 2-step application process (UMKC Office of Admissions + NursingCAS)
- Rockhurst restricts enrollment to residents of 20 specific authorized states
- University of Saint Mary cannot accept students from Louisiana, Tennessee, or New York
- KU Medical Center requires mandatory June campus workshop attendance for DNP students
- Washburn offers most flexibility with gap analysis and customized entry tracks
Admissions Tip: Location and Licensure Matter
When applying to Kansas-based programs, pay close attention to residency and “on-campus” requirements. For example, KU Medical Center requires a mandatory 5-day in-person workshop in Kansas City and generally places students in the KC metro area. Nightingale College, while primarily online, is only authorized to enroll students who reside in one of 21 specific states (including Kansas).
If you are an out-of-state student, always confirm that your local state board of nursing will accept a degree from an institution based in Kansas or Utah before submitting your enrollment deposit.